College Planning for Students with Disabilities

Preparing for Your Education After High School

Going to college can be scary, but the right preparation can make your experience less intimidating. Below are links to information about the accommodations that can be made for students with disabilities taking standardized college admissions tests.

What specific accommodations and services can be made for various types of disabilities? Is there a separate cost for any of these services?

Does the school work closely with other support agencies, like Vocational Rehabilitation agencies?

Is the entire campus accessible?

Are there any student disability support groups on campus that you can join?

Are there any types of financial aid/scholarships specifically available for disabled students? If yes, how do you apply for them?

Look into special admissions policies for students with disabilities.

Easing The Transition to Higher Education

Once you decide which school is for you, there are several steps that students with disabilities should follow to ease their transition to college or technical training programs.

Contact the coordinator of disability services of the campus you plan to attend.

Provide the required documentation of your disability. This information will vary by disability, situation, and campus. A letter or report from a physician that specifies a diagnosis and functional limitations is usually required.

Inform the financial aid office of any disability-related expenses, such as:

Special equipment (related to the disability) and its maintenance.

Cost of services for personal use or study, such as readers, interpreters, note takers, or personal care attendants.

Transportation, if traditional means are not accessible.

Medical expenses not covered by insurance that relate directly to the individual's disability.

Request services through the office of disability services each academic term. Know your specific needs as they relate to your disability and how your documentation supports these needs.

Work out specific accommodations to aid with your disability.

Resources

There are a variety of resources available to students with disabilities who plan to pursue their postsecondary education. Listed below are a few sources of information regarding the success of students with disabilities in furthering their education.